BOSTON - A Boston area man was arrested and indicted today for sex trafficking of a minor.
Michael Gemma, 29, of Mattapan, was arraigned on charges of sex trafficking of a minor and with transporting a minor in interstate commerce for the purposes of prostitution. According to the Indictment, the investigation began Sept. 30, 2011, when State Police stopped a car being driven by Gemma for speeding. The Trooper observed that Gemma was traveling in a rental car with a teenage girl with no identification. Gemma was arrested for driving with a suspended license and the female passenger was interviewed, at which time she confirmed that she was a minor (“Minor A”).
It is alleged that on or about Sept. 27, 2011, Gemma transported Minor A to New York and New Jersey for the purposes of prostitution. While in New Jersey, Gemma allegedly photographed her wearing revealing lingerie and posing in provocative positions. It is further alleged that Gemma then posted these photographs to “Backpage” with advertisements soliciting customers. In response, the customers would go to the motel where Gemma was staying with Minor A to have sex for a fee. In response to some customers, Gemma would drive Minor A to the location where the customer was seeking sex for a fee. It is also alleged that Gemma had transported Minor A to motels in Massachusetts for the purposes of prostitution prior to transporting her to New York and New Jersey.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation - Boston Field Division; and Colonel Marian McGovern, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Foley in Ortiz’s Drug Task Force Unit.
Giving Back to the Community through a variety of venues & initiatives.
Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.
